Collagen Biostimulators
Sculptra and Radiesse Before and After
Biostimulators work differently from filler. Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) prompts your body to rebuild collagen over three to six months. Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) adds structure right away and keeps stimulating collagen in the months that follow.
The results below were treated at La Miel in North Raleigh, often over a series of sessions. Filter by product to compare.
Biostimulators at La MielRadiesse is calcium hydroxylapatite, a biostimulator that works in two ways: it provides immediate structure where it is placed, and it prompts the skin to build new collagen over time. Results build gradually as collagen forms. Here is how real La Miel patients changed.
- Treatment:
- Radiesse biostimulator
- Product:
- Radiesse
- Treatment:
- Radiesse biostimulator
- Product:
- Radiesse
- Treatment:
- Radiesse biostimulator
- Product:
- Radiesse
Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid, a collagen biostimulator. Results build gradually as collagen forms. Here is how real La Miel patients changed.
- Treatment:
- Sculptra biostimulator
- Product:
- Sculptra
- Treatment:
- Sculptra biostimulator
- Product:
- Sculptra
- Treatment:
- Sculptra biostimulator
- Product:
- Sculptra
Individual results vary. Photos show typical outcomes for the treatment shown, not a guarantee of your result.
Every photo is shared with the written consent of the patient. Thank you to each of them.
What are collagen biostimulators?
Collagen biostimulators are injectables that prompt the skin to build its own collagen. They suit patients who are losing firmness and volume and want a gradual, natural change.
How we use Sculptra and Radiesse
Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) rebuilds collagen gradually over a series of sessions. Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) adds structure right away and keeps stimulating collagen afterward. Choose one above to see its results.
What to know about Sculptra and Radiesse results
Biostimulators rebuild your own collagen instead of only filling. Sculptra restores cheek lift, temple structure, and chin definition together. Radiesse gives immediate volume on the day of treatment plus gradual collagen build over 12 to 18 months.
Sculptra results arrive slowly by design: initial change at 6 weeks, meaningful improvement at 3 months, and full results at 6 months. Most patients need 2 to 3 sessions spaced 4 to 8 weeks apart, and results last 2+ years for most patients.
The gradual nature is intentional; it is what makes Sculptra look natural.
Your Sculptra timeline
Typical for Sculptra, which works gradually. Radiesse adds visible structure the same day.
Day 0
Treatment
60 to 90 minutes per session. Afterward, the Rule of 5s: massage 5 times a day, 5 minutes each, for 5 days.
Week 1 to 2
Back to baseline
Initial swelling resolves and you look like you did before treatment. This is expected.
Month 2 to 3
Subtle change
New collagen starts to show as gradual, natural improvement.
Month 3 to 6
Peak improvement
The result reaches its peak and then maintains as your own collagen holds it.
Sculptra or Radiesse?
Both rebuild collagen, but they work on different timelines.
| Biostimulator | What it is | When you see it | Aftercare | How long it lasts | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sculptra | Poly-L-lactic acid | Gradually: subtle at month 2 to 3, peak at month 3 to 6 | Rule of 5s massage for 5 days | 2+ years | Gradual full-face rejuvenation, temples, and early jawline softening |
| Radiesse | Calcium hydroxylapatite | Structure the same day, collagen in the months after | Light massage as instructed | Jawline, chin, hands, and skin quality |
Your injector will recommend one, or a combination, at your consultation.
Who treats you
Adriana Sandoval Veliz, RN/MSN
Owner and Lead Injector
- Master injector certification, Empire Medical Training
- Master certification, Aesthetic Medical Educators Training (AMET)
Under the medical direction of Dr. Susan Lovelle, MD, a former plastic surgeon.
Meet the teamTreatment options
Each result above uses one of these treatments. Their pages explain how each one works, who it suits, and what to expect.
Radiesse
Radiesse in Raleigh NC is the Merz biostimulator that works as both an immediate volumizer and a long-term collagen stimulator.
Learn about RadiesseSculptra
Sculptra in Raleigh NC is the Galderma biostimulator that doesn't just fill, it triggers your body to rebuild collagen over 3 to 6 months.
Learn about Sculptra
Common questions
Sculptra and Radiesse: common questions
2+ years for most patients. Some maintain visible results at 3 years.
Ready When You Are
Two ways to start: book the specific treatment you came for, or book a consultation and we will build your plan together.
Tue to Wed 10 to 5, Thu 10 to 9, Fri 10 to 3. Closed Sat to Mon.
7718 Six Forks Road, Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27615